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Table 2 “In-course” evaluation of the Navigating Academic Careers course

From: A structured curriculum supporting biomedical trainees’ transition into independent academic positions and early career success

Class statements

Likert scale response

MODULE 1

 1. Academic Positions

Strongly Agree %

Agree %

Neutral %

Disagree %

Strongly Disagree %

  I understand the different career paths available within academia.

26.7

60.0

0

0

13.3

  I understand the considerations for appointment, promotion, and grant of tenure as faculty.

33.3

40.0

13.3

0

13.3

MODULE 2

 2. Networking

Strongly Agree %

Agree %

Neutral %

Disagree %

Strongly Disagree %

  I understand the significance of getting to know my peers.

100.0

0

0

0

0

  I see the importance of taking advantage of alumni networks, social media platforms, and professional associations and societies.

100.0

0

0

0

0

MODULE 3

 3. Preparing Application Materials for a Faculty Position

Strongly Agree %

Agree %

Neutral %

Disagree %

Strongly Disagree %

  I have a better understanding of how to effectively draft a cover letter and CV.

53.8

46.2

0

0

0

  I have a better sense of how to draft a research and diversity statement.

76.9

15.4

7.7

0

0

 4. Preparing for the Interview to a Faculty Position (Part 1)

Strongly Agree %

Agree %

Neutral %

Disagree %

Strongly Disagree %

  I understand the components of a chalk talk.

62.5

37.5

0

0

0

  I have a better sense of how to entice employers to get back to me.

62.5

37.5

0

0

0

 5. Preparing for the Interview to a Faculty Position (Part 2)

Strongly Agree %

Agree %

Neutral %

Disagree %

Strongly Disagree %

  I have a better sense of how to properly prepare for an interview to a faculty position.

71.4

28.6

0

0

0

  I understand how to negotiate the job offer.

14.3

57.1

0

28.6

0

MODULES 4 and 5

 6. Leadership and Laboratory Management

Strongly Agree %

Agree %

Neutral %

Disagree %

Strongly Disagree %

  I have a better understanding of how to establish IACUC, IRB, and IBC protocols.

55.6

11.1

22.2

11.1

0

  I understand the importance of record keeping and sharing resources and data.

55.6

22.2

22.2

0

0

 7. Managing Laboratory Finances

Strongly Agree %

Agree %

Neutral %

Disagree %

Strongly Disagree %

  I have a better understanding of how to put together a grant.

50.0

50.0

0

0

0

  I have a better understanding of how to build and manage a budget.

33.3

66.7

0

0

0

 8. Effective Management of Multiple Projects (Part 1)

Strongly Agree %

Agree %

Neutral %

Disagree %

Strongly Disagree %

  I understand the importance of collaboration and delegation.

85.7

14.3

0

0

0

  I have a better understanding of the multiple techniques available for tracking progress.

28.6

57.1

14.3

0

0

 9. Effective Management of Multiple Projects (Part 2)

Strongly Agree %

Agree %

Neutral %

Disagree %

Strongly Disagree %

  I have a better understanding of how to work on multiple research projects simultaneously.

28.6

57.1

14.3

0

0

  I have a better sense of how to work with collaborators and how to track research progress.

28.6

57.1

14.3

0

0

 10. Recruiting and Staffing Basics (Part 1)

Strongly Agree %

Agree %

Neutral %

Disagree %

Strongly Disagree %

  I have a clear understanding of the recruiting process.

71.4

28.6

0

0

0

  I have a better understanding of how to interview and evaluate applicants.

57.1

42.9

0

0

0

 11. Recruiting and Staffing Basics (Part 2)

Strongly Agree %

Agree %

Neutral %

Disagree %

Strongly Disagree %

  I have a better understanding of how to screen applicants.

37.5

62.5

0

0

0

  I have a better understanding about how to staff and manage a lab.

25.0

62.5

0

0

12.5

MODULE 6

 12. Time Management and Work-Life Balance

Strongly Agree %

Agree %

Neutral %

Disagree %

Strongly Disagree %

  I understand the multiple demands on academics’ time and how to carve out space for truly important but not necessarily urgent goals.

71.4

21.4

7.1

0

0

  I have learned about practical and effective strategies for carving out time for my priorities including self-care.

57.1

42.9

0

0

0

MODULE 7

 13. Mentorship and Sponsorship (Part 1)

Strongly Agree %

Agree %

Neutral %

Disagree %

Strongly Disagree %

  I understand the significance of mentorship in driving career success.

78.6

21.4

0

0

0

  I see how mentorship can make a difference, especially in the early stages of my career and/or in proposal development.

100.0

0

0

0

0

 14. Mentorship and Sponsorship (Part 2)

Strongly Agree %

Agree %

Neutral %

Disagree %

Strongly Disagree %

  I understand the difference between sponsorship and mentorship in supporting career success.

81.8

18.2

0

0

0

  I understand how to develop and maintain sponsorship and mentorship relationships that fit my career needs and interests.

54.5

27.3

18.2

0

0

MODULE 8

 15. Developing your Niche: A pathway to independence

Strongly Agree %

Agree %

Neutral %

Disagree %

Strongly Disagree %

  I understand the significance of actively planning my career and professional development and using the IDP as a tool for success.

75.0

25.0

0

0

0

  I understand how to leverage mentorship and other professional relationships in building my own network and gaining visibility as an independent scientist.

75.0

25.0

0

0

0

MODULE 9

 16. Career Conversations, Part 1: Postdoc to Early Career Faculty Transitions: Landing the job and getting started

Strongly Agree %

Agree %

Neutral %

Disagree %

Strongly Disagree %

  I understand the significance of staying funded (sustainability) and recruiting the best talent.

100.0

0

0

0

0

  I am aware of the support networks for new faculty.

71.4

0

28.6

0

0

 17. Career Conversations, Part 2: Early- to Established Faculty Career Advancement

Strongly Agree %

Agree %

Neutral %

Disagree %

Strongly Disagree %

  I understand the significance of staying funded and recruiting the best talent.

50.0

50.0

0

0

0

  I am aware of the support networks for faculty.

25.0

75.0

0

0

0